Senior Week starts Monday

Events give the class of 2010 a chance to say goodbye

May 24, 2010Colleen Kiphart and Don P. Jason III

As commencement nears, Ohio University seniors are starting to say farewell to the community that has been their home the last four years.

Senior Week, organized by the Alumni Association, with the cooperation of several other university departments, offers students a chance to reflect on their time at OHIO, prepare to enter the "real world" and to cut loose and enjoy themselves.

"This entire week was planned in order to recognize and congratulate the seniors…There is something for everyone," said Amanda Smith, assistant director of student and young alumni programs.

The first Senior Week event is a beautification community service project at 1 p.m. Monday in front of Cutler Hall. It will be followed by a wind tunnel event at South Green Beach.

Another early week event is on Tuesday at 5 p.m., "How to Lose a Job in 10 Days." It was created by Career Services and focuses on life after college. The program will discuss some of the most common mistakes made by people new to the workforce.

"We really tried to come up with an event that would be the most beneficial," said Leslie Kingsley, Career Services graduate assistant. "The program was designed to be unique and specific to the graduating seniors' interests and needs."

The event is already garnering student attention and interest.

"I look forward to the 'How to Lose a Job in 10 Days' event. It will give me a lot of great tips I can use when I finally do land a job," said Susannah Sachdeva senior magazine journalism major.

Immediately following will be an event that recalls many of the seniors' past – a dodgeball tournament held on the Ping Center tennis courts. The games will go on until 10 p.m.

On Wednesday, seniors can get career advice during a specialized "Senior Walk In" session at Career Services from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"We have reserved this time especially for seniors ... Seniors will be able to come into Career Services and ask any questions they have regarding their job searches, résumés and cover letters," said Kristine Hoke, assistant director of Career Services.

Later that day, the "Senior Bobcat to Bobcat Panel," held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will give students a chance to question alumni become they join their ranks. The event offers a question and answers session with accomplished alumni and an opportunity for networking. Food will be provided.

The week caps off Thursday with the senior party, "Senior Farewell: A Final Taste of Athens." The party will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. and will feature games, giveaways, and a chance for students to meet alumni from around the country. Food will be brought in from such Athens-staple restaurants as Avalanche Pizza, Miller's Chicken, Big Mamma's Burritos, Broney's Alumni Grill and Kiser's BBQ Shack.

More than 130 guests are confirmed on Facebook to attend this event. One extra guest is going to be Ohio University mascot Rufus, giving students one last chance to get their picture taken with the beloved bobcat.

A full list of events and information can be found on Senior Week's Facebook page*.

100 Things To Do Before You Graduate!

University Programming Council is getting in the graduation spirit, offering students a list of activities to do before they leave Athens. Their “100 Things To Do Before You Graduate!” includes such OHIO staples as becoming a member of the O-Zone; walking, running, rollerblading or biking on the Bike Path; and spray painting the graffiti wall.

They have currently listed 100-21, with more to be added as graduation day nears. You can read all of the suggestions here.